Henrico Times

Congressmen Rob Wittman and Sam Graves have urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expedite reforms to its launch and reentry licensing regulations for commercial space companies. They are calling for changes to part 450 regulations and addressing delays caused by the lengthy pre-application process, which they say hinder U.S. space capabilities and competitiveness.

The congressmen acknowledged the FAA's efforts to improve rulemaking but emphasized the need for quicker regulatory processes. They argue that this is essential for maintaining U.S. leadership in space and enabling the commercial space industry to meet growing demands.

“In November of 2024, the FAA indicated that 98 percent of applications are met within the statutory 180-day timeline. However, this timeframe does not include the months, and oftentimes years, of pre-application review that create extensive delays for companies seeking a launch and reentry license,” Reps. Wittman and Graves wrote. “These delays have a direct impact on the United States’ standing in space exploration and our strategic competition with a growing number of adversarial nations seeking to disrupt our space capabilities and support their own.”

They continued, “Maintaining the United States’ advantage in space capabilities, driven largely by a thriving commercial space industry, will require more efficient and predictable regulatory processes that enable rapid operations in an ever-developing industry.” The lawmakers urged the FAA to act promptly to mitigate deficiencies in part 450 regulation before necessary regulatory changes are implemented.

Rep. Wittman serves as vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and chairman of the Tactical Air & Land Forces Subcommittee, while Rep. Graves chairs the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

The letter was addressed to Michael G. Whitaker, Administrator of the FAA, expressing concerns about part 450 regulations' protracted pre-application process. The congressmen highlighted how vital commercial space transportation is for American national interests, including supporting defense needs during potential conflicts.

They noted that despite most applications being processed within statutory timelines, extensive pre-application reviews cause significant delays impacting U.S. strategic standing in global space exploration.

The congressmen commended FAA's establishment of an aerospace rulemaking committee (SpARC) aimed at addressing these issues but stressed immediate action is needed to ensure relief for the commercial space industry without waiting years for regulatory changes.

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